FAQs

All genders, abilities, ages and fitness levels are welcome at Tempest.

I’m unfit and overweight, are your classes suitable for me?

Absolutely. Everyone works at their own pace and pole dance and aerial provides a great mix of aerobic exercise and toning. If you are in ill health or have a BMI of over 30, have a chat with your GP before embarking on a new exercise programme but everyone is welcome.

I have a physical disability / injury – can I take part?

We encourage everyone to work with what they can do, rather than focus on what they can’t, but if you have an injury that is not healed (such as a pulled muscle) it is best to let your body rest while it repairs itself. Let your instructor know, in private if you prefer, of any condition you have so we can make reasonable adjustments and manage any risk. We have disabled access and toilet facilities.

What should I wear for class?

Pole: Pole moves require a good grip on the pole, so bare arms and legs are perfect. Ideally wear short shorts and a vest top. If you feel uncomfortable feel free to wear tracksuit bottoms and a t-shirt at first, but please be aware this will limit the number of moves you can learn.

Aerial: Aerial moves can cause some chafing and bruising so leggings and a t-shirt that covers the armpits are ideal. For hoop and trapeze you may need to cover your arms and knees so legwarmers are a great accessory.

Jewellery can cause injuries and damage the kit so we ask you to remove all jewellery before class . Don’t use any body lotion or hand cream on the day of your lesson as they make the poles slippery!

We work in bare feet in scheduled classes but certain workshops and parties we dance in high heels. We only allow official pole shoes such as Pleasers.

Scheduled classes are regular classes open to anyone over 14 years (aerial) 16 years (pole).

Private lessons are just that, a private session for one person or a small group of friends. They’re perfect for anyone who is a bit shy about joining a group or feels like they need extra help, or someone who wants to progress quickly, or work on an audition or competition piece.

Workshops are occasional sessions which are pre-booked and have limited numbers. We also run workshops from other disciplines, such as Hula Hoop, Sound Healing, Burlesque, Salsa Dance, etc. We recently have had workshops by Heidi Hildersley, Rachel Britton and Pheonix Fire Arts

Parties are fun, often themed, sessions for hen parties and birthdays. The focus is on having a giggle, learning cheeky moves and short choreographies, and participants leave with photos and prizes!

Do you teach men?

Absolutely. We regularly teach men as we don’t think this dance and fitness discipline should be limited to women. Contact us to find out which classes will be best for you!

Isn’t pole a bit sleazy?

No we use pole for fitness and fun. We fully embrace the sexiness of the art form and encourage women to feel good about their bodies’ (especially with our hen party groups!), but pole dance has largely separated itself from its strip club origins. Those who want to can have a lot of fun and gain confidence with sexy dance moves, but advanced pole requires a lot of strength and discipline – there are even calls to make it an Olympic sport! We even offer family pole sessions which is great for budding gymnasts.

What are the age are limits for classes?

We have no upper age limit and have had students starting pole in their 60s.

Kids classes: Pole 4 years, Aerial 6 years

Adult classes: Pole 16 years, Aerial 14 years.

We are able to provide private lessons for people and children of all ages and abilities.